Interspinous spacer

ABSTRACT

An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal earning surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the earning surfaces of amls to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/961,741 entitled “Interspinous spacer” filed on Jul. 24, 2007 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/217,662 entitled “Interspinous spacer” filed on Jul. 8, 2008 which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/958,876 entitled “Interspinous spacer” filed on Jul. 9, 2007 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/148,104 entitled “Interspinous spacer” filed on Apr. 16, 2008 which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/923,971 entitled “Interspinous spacer” filed on Apr. 17, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/923,841 entitled “Spacer insertion instrument” filed on Apr. 16, 2007, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/593,995 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Nov. 7, 2006 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/582,874 entitled “Minimally invasive tooling for delivery of interspinous spacer” filed on Oct. 18, 2006 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/314,712 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Dec. 20, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/190,496 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Jul. 26, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/079,006 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Mar. 10, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/052,002 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Feb. 4, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,502 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Dec. 6, 2004 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/970,843 entitled “Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine” filed on Oct. 20, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to medical devices, in particular, implants for placement between adjacent spinous processes of a patient's spine.

BACKGROUND

With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows and pinches the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain in the back and legs. Typically, with age, a person's ligaments may thicken, intervertebral discs may deteriorate and facet joints may break down—all contributing to the condition of the spine characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal. Injury, heredity, arthritis, changes in blood flow and other causes may also contribute to spinal stenosis.

Doctors have been at the forefront with various treatments of the spine including medications, surgical techniques and implantable devices that alleviate and substantially reduce debilitating pain associated with the back. In one surgical technique, a spacer is implanted between adjacent interspinous processes of a patient's spine. The implanted spacer opens the spinal canal, maintains the desired distance between vertebral body segments, and as a result, avoids impingement of nerves and relieves pain. For suitable candidates, an implantable interspinous spacer may provide significant benefits in terms of pain relief.

Any surgery is an ordeal. However, the type of device and how it is implanted has an impact. For example, one consideration when performing surgery to implant an interspinous spacer is the size of the incision that is required to allow introduction of the device. Small incisions and minimally invasive techniques are generally preferred as they affect less tissue and result in speedier recovery times. As such, there is a need for interspinous spacers that work well with surgical techniques that are minimally invasive for the patient. The present invention sets forth such a spacer.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, an implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body and capable of movement with respect to the body. Each arm defines a configuration for receiving a spinous process and has a proximal earning surface. The spacer further includes an actuator assembly connected to the body. The actuator assembly includes an actuator having at least one bearing surface, a shaft connected to the actuator and configured for movement with respect to the body; and a spindle. The actuator assembly is configured to move relative to the body such that rotation of the spindle moves the actuator such that the at least one bearing surface contacts at least one of the earning surfaces to move both of the arms from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the anus receive adjacent spinous processes.

According to another aspect of the invention, an implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is disclosed. The implant includes a body defining a longitudinal axis. A first arm and a second arm are both connected to the body and capable of movement with respect to the body. Each arm has a configuration for receiving a spinous process and each arm has a proximal earning surface. The spacer further includes an actuator connected to the body and configured to move relative to the body to deploy the arms from an undeployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the arms seat adjacent spinous processes. The spacer also includes a lock configured to provide resistance to keep the arms in place.

According to another aspect of the invention, a spinal implant for relieving pain and implantable between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process is disclosed. The implant includes a body connected prior to implantation to at least one arm. The at least one arm is movable with respect to the body into at least one configuration that is adapted to laterally stabilize and secure the implant with respect to an adjacent spinous process. In one variation, the implant includes a first arm for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the superior spinous process and a second arm for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the inferior spinous process.

According to another aspect of the invention, a spinal implant for relieving pain and implantable between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process is disclosed. The implant includes a body connected prior to implantation to at least one arm. The at least one arm is movable with respect to the body into at least one configuration that is adapted to laterally stabilize and secure the body with respect to an adjacent spinous process. In one variation, the implant includes a first arm for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the superior spinous process and a second aim for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the inferior spinous process. The implant includes a collapsed configuration in which a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm form the leading edge of the implant.

According to another aspect of the invention, a spinal implant for relieving pain and implantable between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process is disclosed. The implant includes a body connected prior to implantation to at least one arm. The at least one arm is movable with respect to the body into at least one configuration that is adapted to laterally stabilize and secure the body with respect to an adjacent spinous process. In one variation, the implant includes a first arm for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the superior spinous process and a second arm for laterally stabilizing the body with respect to the inferior spinous process. A second end of the first arm is hinged to the distal end of the body and a second end of the second arm is hinged to the distal end of the body. In one variation, the first and second arms are configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees about their hinged ends into a deployed configuration. In one variation, wherein when rotated approximately 90 degrees, the first and second arms are in a configuration that is adapted to laterally stabilize/secure the body with respect to adjacent spinous processes. In another variation, wherein after rotation of approximately 90 degrees, each of the first and second arms are configured to translate away from the body such that the arms are closer to their respective spinous processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a perspective view of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a side view of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a top view of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 1 c taken along line A-A according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 e illustrates an end view of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 f illustrates an exploded perspective view of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a side view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a back view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 c illustrates a side view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 d illustrates a perspective view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 e illustrates a back view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 f illustrates a side view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a perspective view of a spindle of an actuator assembly of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a top view of a spindle of an actuator assembly of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spindle of FIG. 4 b taken along line F-F according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 d illustrates a perspective view of a lock according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 e illustrates a top view of a lock according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 f illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view of a lock, body and spindle according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a side view of a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 b illustrates a side view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 c illustrates a side view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 b illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 c illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a closed undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 b illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 c illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a perspective view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 b illustrates a perspective view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 a illustrates a perspective view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 b illustrates a side view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a perspective view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 b illustrates a back view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 c illustrates a side view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 d illustrates a perspective view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 e illustrates a back view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 f illustrates a side view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 a illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 b illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 c illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 d illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a deployed and extended configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 a illustrates a perspective view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 b illustrates a side view of half of a body of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 a illustrates a perspective view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 b illustrates a back view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 c illustrates a side view of a superior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 d illustrates a perspective view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 e illustrates a back view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 f illustrates a side view of an inferior arm of a spacer according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 a illustrates a side view of a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 b illustrates a side view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 c illustrates a side view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 d illustrates a side view of a spacer in a deployed and extended configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 a illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 b illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 c illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 d illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a spacer in a deployed and extended configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 a illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a closed undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 b illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 c illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 d illustrates a side, semi-transparent view of a spacer in a deployed and extended configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 a illustrates a side view of an insertion instrument connected to a spacer in a closed, undeployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 b illustrates a side view of an insertion instrument connected to a spacer in a partially deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 c illustrates a side view of an insertion instrument connected to a spacer in a deployed configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 d illustrates a side view of an insertion instrument connected to a spacer in a deployed and extended configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a spacer according to the present invention deployed in an interspinous process space between two vertebral bodies and a supraspinous ligament.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the subject devices, systems and methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a spinal segment” may include a plurality of such spinal segments and reference to “the screw” includes reference to one or more screws and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

The present invention is described in the accompanying figures and text as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the field of spinal implants and implant delivery instrumentation.

With reference to FIGS. 1 a -1 f, various views of a spacer 10 according to the present invention are shown. The spacer 10 includes a body 12 connected to a superior extension member or arm 14, an inferior extension member or arm 16, and an actuator assembly 18.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 a -2 b, the body 12 will now be described. The body 12 is shown to have a clamshell construction with a left body piece 20 (shown in FIG. 2 a ) joined to a right body piece 22 (shown in FIG. 2 b ) to capture arms 14, 16 inside. With the right and left body pieces 20, 22 joined together, the body 12 is generally cylindrical. The spacer body 12 has a cross-sectional size and shape that allows for implantation between adjacent spinous processes and facilitates delivery into a patient through a narrow port or cannula.

The inside of the body 12 defines an arm receiving portion 24 and an actuator assembly receiving portion 26 with features formed in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22 that together define the arm and actuator assembly receiving portions 24, 26. In one variation, the arm receiving portion 24 includes slots or openings 28 that receive pins formed on the arms 14, 16 such that the pins rotate and/or translate inside the openings 28. The actuator assembly receiving portion 26 includes a passageway 30. The actuator assembly receiving portion 26 includes a spindle receiving portion 80 formed by the two joined pieces 20, 22 to form a ledge. The actuator assembly receiving portion 26 also includes at least one lock receiving portion 82. Other features include a tongue and groove for mating with the opposite clamshell.

The outside of the body 12 defines a ledge 32 along at least a portion of the periphery and at least one or continuous undercut 98. Notches 34 are formed at opposite locations as also shown in FIG. 1B. The notches 34 are configured for pronged attachment to a spacer delivery instrument. When joined together, the left and right body pieces 20, 22 define a proximal opening 36 (as seen in FIG. 1 e ) and a distal opening 38 (as seen in FIG. 1 a ) in the body 12. A longitudinal scallop 84 (also shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 e, 1 f and 2 a) extending from the proximal end of the spacer to the distal end is formed in the outer surface of the body 12 to facilitate placement of the spacer 10 between and to conform to the anatomy of adjacent interspinous processes. On one variation, two oppositely located longitudinal scallops 84 are formed in the outer surface of the body 12 such that one scallop 84 faces the superior spinous process and the other scallop 84 faces the inferior spinous process. In one variation, the distance between oppositely located longitudinal scallops 84 (as best seen in FIG. 1 e ) is approximately 8.0 millimeters imparting the spacer 10 with a low profile advantageous for insertion between closely spaced or “kissing” spinous processes.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 a -3 c, the superior arm 14 is shown and in FIGS. 3 d -3 f, the inferior arm 16 is shown. The superior and inferior arms 14, 16 include pins 40 for mating with the body 12, in particular, for mating with the slots/openings 28 of the arm receiving portion 24. Each of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 includes at least one earning surface 41, 43, respectively, for contact with the actuator assembly 18. The superior and inferior arms 14, 16 include elongated superior extensions 42 a, 42 b and elongated inferior extensions 44 a, 44 b, respectively. Extensions 42 a and 44 a are located on the left adjacent to the left body piece 20 and extensions 42 b and 44 b are located on right adjacent to the right body piece 22. Superior extensions 42 a, 42 b extend substantially parallel to each other in both an undeployed configuration and in a deployed configuration as do inferior extensions 44 a, 44 b. Extending between extensions 42 a, 42 b is a strut, bridge, bracket or saddle 46 that forms a superior substantially U-shaped configuration that is sized and configured to receive a superior spinous process. As seen in FIG. 3 c, the anterior face of the superior extensions 14 includes a slight concavity or curvature 45 for conforming to the bony anatomy of the superior spinous process and or lamina. Extending between inferior extensions 44 a, 44 b is a strut, bridge, bracket or saddle 48 that forms an inferior substantially U-shaped configuration together with the extensions 44 a, 44 b that is sized and configured to receive an inferior spinous process of a spinal motion segment. As seen in FIG. 3 f, the anterior face of the inferior extensions 16 includes a slight convexity or curvature 47 for conforming to the bony anatomy of the inferior spinous process and/or lamina. In one variation, the length of the saddle 46 of the superior arm 14 is approximately 8.5 millimeters and the length of the saddle 48 of the inferior arm 16 is approximately 6.6 millimeters. Also, the tip-to-tip distance of the superior extensions 42 a, 42 b is approximately 9.8 millimeters and the tip-to-tip distance of the inferior extensions 44 a, 44 b is approximately 9.4 millimeters. In sum, the seat comprising the saddle 46 and superior extensions 42 a, 42 b formed by the superior arm 14 is larger than the seat comprising the saddle 48 and inferior extensions 44 a, 44 b formed by the inferior arm 16. The larger superior seat of the spacer conforms closely to a wider lower end of the spinous process and the smaller inferior seat of the spacer conforms closely to a narrower upper end of the adjacent inferior spinous process when the spacer 10 is inserted between adjacent spinous processes as spinous processes are naturally narrower on top and wider on the bottom.

The superior and inferior arms 14, 16 are movably or rotatably connected to the body 12, for example by hinge means or the like to provide rotational movement from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration that arcs through about a 90 degree range or more with respect to the body 12. The arms 14, 16 are rotationally movable between at least an undeployed, collapsed or folded state (as shown in FIGS. 1 a -1 e, 5 a, 6 a and 7 a) and at least one deployed state (as shown in FIGS. 5 c, 6 c, 7 c). In the undeployed state, the arm pairs 14, 16 are aligned generally or substantially axially (i.e., axially with the longitudinal axis, defined by the body 12 or to the translation path into the interspinous space of the patient) to provide a minimal lateral or radial profile. The longitudinal axis X of the spacer 10 and body 12 is shown in FIG. 1 c. In the deployed state, the arm pairs 14, 16 are positioned such that each of the U-shaped saddles are in a plane (or planes) or have a U-shaped projection in a plane that is (are) generally or substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X defined by the body 12 or to the collapsed position or to the implantation path into the interspinous space of the patient. In one variation, the spacer 10 is configured such that the arms 14, 16 are linearly movable or translatable within the same transverse plane from a first deployed state (such as the state shown in FIG. 12 c ) to and from a second deployed state (such as the state shown in FIG. 12 d ) characterized by an additional translation of at least one of the arms 14, 16 with respect to the body 12 along a direction of the arrows as shown in FIG. 12 d away from or towards the body 12. The arms 14, 16 can be extended in the general vertical direction along an axis along the general length of the spine wherein the arms 14, 16 are extended away from each other and away from the body 12 as denoted by the arrows in FIG. 12 d. The arms 14, 16 can be un-extended in a direction towards each other and towards the body 12 for un-deployment or repositioning of the spacer 10. This feature advantageously allows for the most minimally invasive configuration for the spacer without compromising the ability of the spacer 10 to seat and contain the spinous processes in between levels where the anatomy of the spinous processes is such that the interspinous process space increases in the anterior direction or without compromising the ability of the spacer to provide adequate distraction. The arms 14, 16 are connected to the body 12 and/or to each other in a manner that enables them to be moved simultaneously or independently of each other, as well as in a manner that provides passive deployment and/or vertical extension or, alternatively, active or actuated deployment and/or vertical extension.

Turning back to FIG. 1 f, the actuator assembly 18 will now be described. The actuator assembly 18 includes an actuator 48 connected to a shaft 50 and retainer 52, a spindle 86 and a optional lock 88. The actuator 48 includes a distal end 54 and a proximal end 56 and at least two bearing surfaces 58. The bearing surfaces 58 angle towards each other from the proximal end 56 to the distal end 54. In one variation as shown in FIG. 1 f, the actuator 48 is integrally formed with the shaft 50. The shaft 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a threaded outer surface for engagement with a threaded inner surface of the spindle 86. The distal end 54 of the actuator 48 is further configured to engage the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 such that forward translation of the actuator 48 relative to the body 12 effects deployment of the arms into at least one deployed configuration.

Still referencing FIG. 1 f and with particular reference to FIGS. 4 a -4 c, the spindle 86 has circular top profile and includes a central bore 90 having a threaded inner surface which is sized for threaded connection to the shaft 50. The spindle 86 includes an outer ledge 92 and oppositely disposed notches 94 for connecting to a deployment instrument. The outer sidewall of the spindle 86 includes a plurality of spindle teeth 102. The spindle 86 is configured to be disposed in the spindle receiving portion 80 of the body 12.

Still referencing FIG. 1 f, the retainer 52, which is preferably made of metal such as surgical steel or titanium, includes a proximal end 70 and at least one prong 72 extending distally from the proximal end 70. Each prong 72 includes a hook portion 96 for hooking to the undercut 98 of the body 12 to attach the retainer 52 to the body 12. Each prong 72 is allowed to deflect and spring back to snap engage the undercut 98 and thereby connect to the body 12 and retain the actuator assembly 18 to the body 12. An aperture 100 is sized for clear passage of the actuator 48 and shaft 50. The actuator assembly 18 is at least partially disposed inside the body 12 and is configured to move with respect to the body 12.

Still referencing FIG. 1 f and with particular reference to FIGS. 4 d, 4 e and 4 f, the lock 88 is a small elongate piece of metal or other suitable material such as steel or titanium capable of deflection. The lock 88 is sized to be disposed in the lock receiving portion 82 as shown in HG. 4 f The lock 88 includes a tooth 104 which is configured to engage the spindle teeth 102. Rotation of the spindle 86 deflects the lock 88 outwardly which then snaps back into between the spindle teeth 102 to lock the spindle 86 in place.

Assembly of the spacer 10 with reference to FIGS. 1 a-1 f will now be described. The arms 14, 16 are disposed in the arm receiving portion 24 of one body piece. The other of the left or right body piece 20, 22 is securely connected/welded to the one body piece thereby capturing the arms 14, 16 inside the arm receiving portion 24 such that the arms 14, 16 are capable of at least rotational movement with respect to the body 12 and in one variation, capable of rotational movement and translation with respect to the body 12. In a variation in which the body 12 is made of one piece, the arms 14, 16 are movably connected to the body 12 with a pin, for example. The shaft 50 and the actuator 48 are together inserted into the proximal opening 36 and passageway 30 of the body 12. The spindle 86 is disposed in the spindle receiving portion 80 of the body 12 and threaded onto the shaft 50. The lock 88 is disposed inside the lock receiving portion 82 of the body 12. The retainer 52 is connected to the body 12 such that the hooked portion(s) 96 snap into the undercut(s) 98 and such that the shaft 50 can pass through the retainer aperture 100. The retainer 52 captures the spindle 86, actuator 48, shaft 50 and lock 88 inside the body 12 such that the spindle 86 is allowed to rotate and, thereby, move the actuator and shaft 48, 50 inside the body passageway 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a -5 d, the spacer 10 is shown in a closed, undeployed configuration (FIG. 5 a ), a partially deployed configuration or otherwise intermediary configuration (FIG. 5 b ), and a deployed configuration (FIG. 5 c ). In moving from an undeployed to a deployed configuration, the actuator assembly 18 and, in particular, the shaft 50 of the actuator assembly moves distally with respect to the body to a position flush or almost flush with the proximal end of the body 12 or to a position completely inside the body 12 disappearing from sight providing a low profile for the spacer 10 along the longitudinal axis of the body 12.

Turning now to the cross-sectional views of the spacer 10 in FIGS. 6 a -6 c, as the shaft 50 advances within the passageway 30, the bearing surfaces 58 of the actuator 48 contact the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 turning the arms 14, 16 into rotation with respect to the body 12. Upon rotation, the bearing surfaces 58 of the actuator 48 slide with respect to the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16. The arms 14, 16 rotate through an arc of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the body 12 into the deployed configuration (FIG. 6 c ) in which the superior and inferior extensions of the arms 14, 16 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 c. The arms 14, 16 have a substantially U-shaped projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10.

Turning now to the semi-transparent views of the spacer 10 in FIGS. 7 a -7 c, the rotation of the pins 40 of the arms 14, 16 in the openings 28 of the body 12 is shown in moving from the configuration of FIG. 7 a to the configuration of FIG. 7 c. Reverse rotation of the spindle 86 moves the shaft 50 proximally with respect to the body 12 allowing the arms to close to any intermediary configuration between a deployed, configuration and an undeployed, closed configuration. This feature advantageously permits the surgeon to ease installation and positioning of the spacer with respect to patient anatomy.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , another variation of the body 12 will now be discussed wherein like reference numbers are used to describe like parts. The body 12 of the variation shown in FIG. 8 has the same clamshell construction with the left body piece 20 joined to a right body piece 22 to capture arms 14, 16 inside. With the right and left body pieces 20, 22 joined together, the body 12 is generally cylindrical. It has a cross-sectional size and shape that allows for implantation between adjacent spinous processes and facilitates delivery into a patient through a narrow port or cannula. The left and right body pieces 20, 22 are identical and therefore, FIG. 8 illustrates either the left or right body piece 20, 22.

Still referencing FIG. 8 , the inside of the body 12 defines an arm receiving portion 24 and an actuator assembly receiving portion 26 with features formed in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22 that together define the arm and actuator assembly receiving portions 24, 26. The arm receiving portion 24 includes slots or openings or apertures 28 that receive pins formed on the arms 14, 16 such that the pins rotate and/or translate inside the slots or apertures 28. In the variation shown in FIG. 8 , in addition to two circular openings 28 a, there is provided a curved slot 28 b in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22. The circular openings 28 a and curved slot 28 b are configured to receive pins 40 of arms 14, 16 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b.

Turning now to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the superior arm 14 is shown in FIG. 9 a, and the inferior arm 16 is shown in FIG. 9 b. The superior and inferior arms 14, 16, include pins 40 a and 40 b for mating with the body 12, in particular, for mating with the openings 28 a and slots 28 b, respectively. Each side of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 includes a circular first pin 40 a configured for insertion into opening 28 a such that the arms 14, 16 rotate with respect to the body 12. At least one side of each of the arms 14, 16 includes a second pin 40 b configured for insertion into opening slot 28 b. Slot 28 b and pin 40 b serve as a stop mechanism such that the rotation of the arms 14, 16 with respect to the body 12 is limited by pin 40 b in slot 28 b. While being deployed, the arms 14, 16 rotate to a position transverse to the longitudinal axis from a position parallel to the longitudinal axis wherein such rotation is arrested by pin 40 b abutting the end of slot 28 b. Other features of the arms 14, 16 shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are substantially the same as described above and like reference numbers are used to describe the like parts.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, another variation of the spacer body 12 will now be discussed wherein like reference numbers are used to describe like parts. The body 12 of the spacer variation shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b has a clamshell construction as described above with the left body piece 20 joined to a right body piece 22 to capture arms 14, 16 inside. With the right and left body pieces 20, 22 joined together, the body 12 is generally cylindrical. It has a cross-sectional size and shape that allows for implantation between adjacent spinous processes and facilitates delivery into a patient through a narrow port or cannula. FIG. 10 a shows the left body piece 20 and FIG. 10 b shows the right body piece 22, however, the left and right body pieces 20, 22 are identical.

Still referencing FIGS. 10 a and 10 c, the inside of the body 12, formed by the conjunction of the left and right body pieces 20, 22, defines an arm receiving portion 24 and an actuator assembly receiving portion 26 with features formed in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22 that together define the arm and actuator assembly receiving portions 24, 26. The arm receiving portion 24 includes slots or openings or apertures 28 that receive pins formed on the arms 14, 16 such that the pins rotate and/or translate inside the slots or apertures 28. In particular, in the variation shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, two elongated openings 28 c and a curved slot opening 28 d are provided in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22. The elongated openings 28 c and curved opening 28 d are configured to receive pins 40 of arms 14, 16 and serve as channels in which pins 40 can move. The curved slot 28 d includes a straight distal portion for translating and extending the arms 14, 16 with respect to the body. Arms 14 and 16 with pins 40 configured to correspond to the left and right body pieces 20, 22 are shown in FIGS. 11 a -11 f.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 a -11 f, the superior arm 14 is shown in FIGS. 11 a -11 c, and the inferior arm 16 is shown in FIGS. 11 d -11 f. The superior and inferior arms 14, 16, include pins 40 c and 40 d for mating with the body 12, in particular, for mating with the elongated openings 28 c and curved slots 28 d, respectively. Each side of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 includes at least a first pin 40 c configured for insertion into opening 28 c such that the arms 14, 16 rotate with respect to the body 12 as well as translate with respect to the body 12. At least one side of each of the arms 14, 16 includes a second pin 40 d configured for insertion into curved slot 28 d such that the arms 14, 16 rotate with respect to the body 12 as well as translate with respect to the body 12. Slots 28 d and openings 28 c guide the movement of pins 40 d and 40 c, respectively therein as will be described with respect to FIGS. 12 a -12 d. Other features of the arms 14, 16 shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 f are substantially the same as described above and like reference numbers are used to describe the like parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 a -12 d, the spacer 10 is shown in a closed, undeployed configuration (FIG. 12 a ), a partially deployed or otherwise intermediary configuration (FIG. 12 b ), a deployed configuration (FIG. 12 c ), and a deployed and extended configuration (FIG. 12 d ). In moving from an undeployed to a deployed configuration, the semi-transparent views of the spacer 10 in FIGS. 12 a-12 d show the rotation and translation of the pins 40 of the arms 14, 16 in the slots 28 of the body 12. The translation of the pins 40 of the arms 14, 16 in the slots 28 of the body 12 is shown in moving from the first deployed configuration of FIG. 12 c to the second deployed, extended configuration of FIG. 12 d wherein the extension of the arms 14, 16 is in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 12 d. Such outward translation with respect to the body 12 is guided by the length and shape of the slots 28. Opening 28 c is elongated and slot 28 d includes a straight distal end configured to accommodate and guide the extension of arms 14, 16 away from the body 12. Reverse rotation of the spindle 86 moves the shaft 50 proximally with respect to the body 12 allowing the arms 14, 16 to close to any intermediary configuration between a deployed, extended configuration and an undeployed, closed configuration. This feature advantageously permits the surgeon to ease installation and positioning of the spacer with respect to patient anatomy as the arms 14, 16 can be deployed, undeployed and then re-deployed as often as necessary to position the spacer 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, another variation of the spacer with yet another body 12 configuration will now be discussed wherein like reference numbers are used to describe like parts. The body 12 of the variation shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b has a clamshell construction as described above with a left body piece 20 joined to a right body piece 22 to capture arms 14, 16 inside. With the right and left body pieces 20, 22 joined together, the body 12 is generally cylindrical. It has a cross-sectional size and shape that allows for implantation between adjacent spinous processes and facilitates delivery into a patient through a narrow port or cannula. FIG. 13 a shows the left body piece 20 and FIG. 13 b shows the right body piece 22, however, the left and right body pieces 20, 22 are identical.

Still referencing FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, the inside of the body 12, formed by the conjunction of the left and right body pieces 20, 22, defines an arm receiving portion 24 and an actuator assembly receiving portion 26 that includes a spindle receiving portion 80 and lock receiving portion 82 with features formed in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22 that together define the arm and actuator assembly receiving portions 24, 26. The aim receiving portion 24 includes slots or openings or apertures 28 that receive pins formed on the arms 14, 16 such that the pins rotate and/or translate inside the slots or apertures 28. In particular, in the variation shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, a first opening 28 e and a second opening 28 f are provided in each of the left and right body pieces 20, 22. The first opening 28 e includes a fanned recess. Both openings 28 e and curved slot 28 f are configured to receive pins 40 of arms 14, 16 and serve as channels that constrain the movement of the pins 40. In the variation shown, the openings 28 e, 28 f are configured to permit extension of the arms 14, 16 away from the body. Arms 14, 16 with pins 40 that are configured to correspond to the left and right body pieces 20, 22 are shown in FIGS. 14 a -14 f.

Turning now to FIGS. 14 a -14 f, the superior arm 14 is shown in FIGS. 14 a -14 c, and the inferior arm 16 is shown in FIGS. 14 d -14 f. The superior and inferior arms 14, 16, include a first pin 40 e and a second pin 40 f for mating with the body 12, in particular, for mating with the first opening 28 e and second opening 28 f, respectively. At least one side of each of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 includes a first pin 40 e configured for insertion into opening 28 e such that the arms 14, 16 rotate with respect to the body 12 as well as translate with respect to the body 12. At least the other side of each of the arms 14, 16 includes a second pin 40 f configured for insertion into curved slot 28 f such that the arms 14, 16 rotate with respect to the body 12 as well as translate with respect to the body 12. The first pin 40 e includes a central portion integrally formed with a peripheral or projecting portion in what resembles a merging of two pins into one larger pin. This larger pin 40 e advantageously provides a larger bearing surface capable of bearing larger loads in arresting rotation of the arms 14, 16. The first and second openings 28 e, 28 f guide the movement of pins 40 e and 40 f, respectively as will be described with respect to FIGS. 17 a -17 d. Other features of the arms 14, 16 shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 f are substantially the same as described above and like reference numbers are used to describe the like parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 a -15 d, the spacer 10 having a body 12 of FIGS. 13 a and 13 b is shown in a closed, undeployed configuration (FIG. 15 a ), a partially deployed or otherwise intermediary configuration (FIG. 15 b ), a deployed configuration (FIG. 15 c ), and a deployed and extended configuration (F1G. 15 d).

Turning now to the cross-sectional views of the spacer 10 in FIGS. 16 a -16 d, as the spindle 86 is rotated and the shaft 50 advances within the passageway 30, the bearing surfaces 58 of the actuator 48 contact the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 turning the arms 14, 16 into rotation with respect to the body 12. Upon rotation, the bearing surfaces 58 of the actuator 48 slide with respect to the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16. The arms 14, 16 rotate through an arc of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the body 12 into the deployed configuration (FIG. 16 c ) in which the superior and inferior extensions of the arms 14, 16 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10 as shown in FIG. 16 c and with further actuation, into a deployed and extended configuration (FIG. 16 d ) in which the superior and inferior extensions of the arms 14, 16 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10 and the arms 14, 16 are moved away from the body 12 in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis as shown by the arrows in FIG. 16 d.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 a -17 d, semi-transparent views of the spacer 10 are shown. In moving from an undeployed to a deployed configuration, the rotation and translation of the pins 40 e, 40 f of the arms 14, 16 in the slots 28 e, 28 f of the body 12 is shown. Following rotation, the translation of the pins 40 e, 40 f of the arms 14, 16 in the slots 28 e, 28 f, respectively, is shown in moving from the first deployed configuration of FIG. 17 c to the second deployed, extended configuration of FIG. 17 d in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 17 d. Such outward translation with respect to the body 12 is guided by the length and shape of the slots 28 e, 28 f. Reverse rotation of the spindle 86 moves the shaft 50 proximally with respect to the body 12 allowing the arms to close to any intermediary configuration between a deployed, extended configuration and an undeployed, closed configuration. This feature advantageously permits the surgeon to ease installation and positioning of the spacer with respect to patient anatomy.

To deliver and deploy the spacer 10 within the patient, the spacer 10 is releasably attached to an insertion instrument 80 at the proximal end of the spacer 10 via notches 34. The insertion instrument 80 includes a first assembly 102 connected to a second assembly 104 and a handle assembly 106.

The spacer 10 is provided or otherwise placed in its undeployed, closed state in juxtaposition to the insertion instrument 80 and connected thereto as shown in FIG. 18 a. The longitudinal axis of the insertion instrument 80 is advantageously aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10 as shown. The delivery instrument 80 includes a first subassembly 102 to releasably clamp to the body 12 of the spacer 10 at a distal end of the insertion instrument 80. The first subassembly 102 includes an inner clamp shaft (not shown) having flexible prongs 126 at the distal end configured for attachment to the body 12 of the spacer 10 and, in particular, for insertion into the notches 34 of the spacer body 12. The first subassembly 102 includes an outer shaft 112 located over the inner clamp shaft and configured for relative motion with respect to one another via a control 114 located at the handle assembly 106. The control 114 is threaded to the outer shaft 112 such that rotation of the control 114 moves the outer shaft 112 along the longitudinal axis of the insertion instrument 80 over the inner clamp shaft to deflect and undeflect the prongs 126 to connect or disconnect the instrument 80 to or from the body 12. The first control 114 is activated at the handle of the insertion instrument 100 such that the first subassembly 102 is connected to the body 12 of the spacer 10. The first control 114 is rotated in one direction to advance the outer shaft 112 over the inner clamp shaft (not shown) deflecting the prongs 118 inwardly into the notches 34 on the body 12 of the spacer 10 to secure the spacer body 12 to the instrument as shown in FIG. 18 a. Reverse rotation of the control 114 reverses the direction of translation of the outer shaft 112 to release the prongs 126 from the notches 34 and, thereby, release the spacer 10 from the instrument 80.

Still referencing FIG. 18 a, the insertion instrument 80 includes a second subassembly 104 that is configured to connect to the actuator assembly 18 of the spacer 10. In particular, the second subassembly 104 includes means located at the distal end of the second subassembly 104 to activate the actuator assembly 18. In one variation, the second subassembly 104 is a pronged driver having an elongated shaft that is configured to be insertable into the notches 94 of the spindle 86 while the spacer 10 is connected to the instrument 80. As seen in FIG. 4 b, there are two notches 94 oppositely located from each other in the spindle 86. The distal end of the driver includes prongs that correspond to the notches 94 and configured to be inserted into the notches 94. The second subassembly 104 is insertable at the proximal end of the instrument 80 and extends through the handle assembly 106 and through the inner shaft until the notches are engaged by the distal end. The removable driver 104 is rotatable with respect to the instrument 80 to rotate the spindle 86 and arrange the spacer 10 to and from deployed and undeployed configurations.

To deliver and deploy the spacer 10 within the patient, the spacer 10 is releasably attached to a delivery instrument 80 at the proximal end of the spacer 10 as described. A small midline or lateral-to-midline incision is made in the patient for minimally-invasive percutaneous delivery. In one variation, the supraspinous ligament is avoided. In another variation, the supraspinous ligament is split longitudinally along the direction of the tissue fibers to create an opening for the instrument. Dilators may be further employed to create the opening. In the undeployed state with the arms 14, 16 in a closed orientation and attached to a delivery instrument 80, the spacer 10 is inserted into a port or cannula, if one is employed, which has been operatively positioned to an interspinous space within a patient's back and the spacer is passed through the cannula to the interspinous space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer 10 is advanced beyond the end of the cannula or, alternatively, the cannula is pulled proximately to uncover the spacer 10 connected to the instrument 80. Once in position, the second assembly 104 is inserted into the instrument 80 if not previously inserted to engage the spindle notches 94 and is rotated to rotate the spindle 86. The rotating spindle 86 then advances the actuator 48 and shaft 50 to begin deployment the spacer 10. Rotation in one direction, clockwise, for example, threadingly advances the shaft 50 through the spindle central bore 90 which then results in the actuator 48 contacting the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 of the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 to begin their deployment. FIG. 18 b illustrates the superior arm 14 and the inferior arm 16 in a partially deployed position with the arms 14, 16 rotated away from the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the driver 104 turns the spindle 86 which in turn rotates the actuator shaft 50 threadingly advancing it with respect to the body 12 which distally advances the actuator 48 whose bearing surfaces 58 contact the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43 pushing the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 into rotation about the pins 40 that are guided in the openings 28. The lock 88 snaps into the spindle teeth 102 advantageously locking the deployment of the arms at any degree of rotation of the spindle 86 to prevent the arms 14, 16 from folding and providing a tactile and audio feedback of the deployment progress. The lock 88 permits further rotation or de-rotation as desired.

The position of the arms 14, 16 in FIG. 18 b may be considered to be one of many partially deployed configurations or intermediary configurations that are possible and from which the deployment of the arms 14, 16 is reversible with opposite rotation of the second assembly 104. With further advancement, the arms 14, 16 rotate through an arc of approximately 90 degrees into the deployed configuration in which the superior and inferior extensions are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacer 10 as shown in FIG. 18 c.

Turning to FIG. 18 c, there is shown an insertion instrument 80 connected to a spacer 10 in a first deployed configuration in which the arms 14, 16 are approximately 90 degrees perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or perpendicular to the initial undeployed configuration. Continued rotation of second assembly 104 rotates the spindle 86 and threads the shaft 50 farther distally with respect to the body 12 of the spacer 10 pushing the bearing surfaces 58 further against the superior and inferior earning surfaces 41, 43. While in the first deployed configuration of FIG. 18 c, the clinician can observe with fluoroscopy the positioning of the spacer 10 inside the patient and then choose to reposition the spacer 10 if desired. Repositioning of the spacer may involve undeploying the arms 14, 16 by rotating the spindle 86 via the second assembly 104 to rotate the arms into any one of the many undeployed configurations. The spacer may then be re-deployed into the desired location. This process can be repeated as necessary until the clinician has achieved the desired positioning of the spacer in the patient. Of course, inspection of the spacer 10 may be made via fluoroscopy while the spacer 10 is in an intermediate or partially deployed configuration such as that of FIG. 18 b.

Even further advancement of the actuator shaft 50 via rotation of the second subassembly 104 from the first deployed configuration results in the spacer 10 assuming a second deployed configuration shown in FIG. 18 d, if the spacer 10 is so configured as to allow a second deployed configuration. The second deployed configuration is an extended configuration as described above in which the superior and inferior arms 14, 16 extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis outwardly in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 18 d. The spacer 10 is configured such that the outward translation of the arms 14, 16 follows the rotation into 90 degrees and is guided by the length and shape of the openings 28 in which the arms 14, 16 move. Once deployed, the superior arm 14 seats the superior spinous process and the inferior arm 16 seats the adjacent inferior spinous process. Such extension may also provide some distraction of the vertebral bodies.

Following deployment, the second assembly 104 may be removed. Control 114 is rotated in the opposite direction to release the body 12 from the instrument 80. The insertion instrument 80, thus released from the spacer 10, is removed from the patient leaving the spacer 10 implanted in the interspinous process space as shown in FIG. 19 . In FIG. 19 , the spacer 10 is shown with the superior arm 14 seating the superior spinous process 138 of a first vertebral body 142 and the inferior arm 16 seating the inferior spinous process 140 of an adjacent second vertebral body 144 providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen 146 to relieve pain. As mentioned above, the shape of the superior arm 14 is such that a superior concavity or curvature 45 is provided to conform to the widening of the superior spinous process 138 in an anterior direction toward the superior lamina 148 going in the anterior direction. In general, the superior arm 14 is shaped to conform to anatomy in the location in which it is seated. Likewise, as mentioned above, the shape of the inferior arm 16 is such that an inferior convexity or curvature 47 is provided to conform to the widening of the inferior spinous process 140 in an anterior direction toward the inferior lamina 150. The supraspinous ligament 152 is also shown in FIG. 19 .

The spacer 10 is as easily and quickly removed from body of the patient as it is installed. The instrument 80 is inserted into an incision and reconnected to the spacer 10. The shaft 50 is rotated in the opposite direction via a driver 104 to fold the arms 14, 16 into a closed or undeployed configuration. In the undeployed configuration, the spacer 10 can be removed from the patient along with the instrument 80 or, of course, readjusted and re-positioned and then re-deployed as needed with the benefit of minimal invasiveness to the patient.

Any of the spacers disclosed herein are configured for implantation employing minimally invasive techniques including through a small percutaneous incision and through the superspinous ligament. Implantation through the superspinous ligament involves selective dissection of the superspinous ligament in which the fibers of the ligament are separated or spread apart from each other in a manner to maintain as much of the ligament intact as possible. This approach avoids crosswise dissection or cutting of the ligament and thereby reduces the healing time and minimizes the amount of instability to the affected spinal segment. While this approach is ideally suited to be performed through a posterior or midline incision, the approach may also be performed through one or more incisions made laterally of the spine with or without affect to the superspinous ligament. Of course, the spacer may also be implanted in a lateral approach that circumvents the superspinous ligament altogether as well as in open or mini-open procedures.

Other variations and features of the various mechanical spacers are covered by the present invention. For example, a spacer may include only a single arm which is configured to receive either the superior spinous process or the inferior spinous process. The surface of the spacer body opposite the side of the single arm may be contoured or otherwise configured to engage the opposing spinous process wherein the spacer is sized to be securely positioned in the interspinous space and provide the desired distraction of the spinous processes defining such space. The additional extension of the arm(s) subsequent to their initial deployment in order to seat or to effect the desired distraction between the vertebrae may be accomplished by expanding the body portion of the device instead of or in addition to extending the individual extension members 14, 16.

The extension arms of the subject device may be configured to be selectively movable subsequent to implantation, either to a fixed position prior to closure of the access site or otherwise enabled or allowed to move in response to normal spinal motion exerted on the device after deployment. The deployment angles of the extension arms may range from less than 90 degrees (relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the device body) or may extend beyond 90 degrees and remain stationary or be dynamic. Each extension member may be rotationally movable within a range that is different from that of the other extension members. Additionally, the individual superior and/or inferior extensions 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b may be movable in any direction relative to the strut or bridge extending between an arm pair or relative to the device body in order to provide shock absorption and/or function as a motion limiter, or serve as a lateral adjustment particularly during lateral bending and axial rotation of the spine. The manner of attachment or affixation of the extensions to the arms may be selected so as to provide movement of the extensions that is passive or active or both. In one variation, the saddle or distance between extensions 42 a and 42 b or between 44 a and 44 b can be made wider to assist in seating the spinous process and then narrowed to secure the spinous process positioned between extensions 42 a and 42 b or between 44 a and 44 b.

The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of present invention is embodied by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for implanting a spacer, the method comprising: coupling an insertion instrument onto the spacer by inserting prongs of the insertion instrument into notches in the spacer; while the spacer is coupled to the insertion instrument, moving the spacer into a subject by inserting the spacer and the insertion instrument through a supraspinous ligament of the subject to position the spacer directly between a first vertebra of the subject and a second vertebra of the subject, and rotating a shaft of the spacer in a first direction to move an actuator, wherein movement of the actuator causes a first arm of the spacer to move toward engagement with the first vertebra of the subject and a second arm of the spacer to move toward engagement with the second vertebra of the subject; and separating the insertion instrument from the spacer while the first vertebra is engaged by the first arm and the second vertebra is engaged by the second arm.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating the shaft of the spacer in a second direction opposite the first direction to disengage the first and second arms from the first and second vertebrae, respectively.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotating comprises rotating the first and second arms with respect to the body.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a bridge and two extensions extending from the bridge.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the shaft is a threaded shaft.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotating comprises rotating the shaft to laterally move the actuator.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, wherein the rotating comprises engaging the first and second arms using the two opposing bearing surfaces to move distal ends of the first and second arms away from each other as the shaft is rotated in the first direction.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotating comprises engaging the shaft with a drive element of the insertion instrument to rotate the shaft using the drive element.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises operating a control of the insertion instrument to deflect the prongs inwardly into the notches in the spacer.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the separating comprises operating a control of the insertion instrument to release the prongs from the notches in the spacer.
 11. A kit, comprising: a spacer comprising a body with a plurality of notches defined therein, a first arm attached to the body, a second arm attached to the body, and an actuator coupled to the body, wherein movement of the actuator in a first direction causes a first arm of the spacer to move toward engagement with the first vertebra of the subject and a second arm of the spacer to move toward engagement with the second vertebra of the subject; and an insertion instrument comprising an instrument shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a plurality of prongs extending form the distal end of the instrument shaft and configured for engaging the notches defined in the body of the spacer, and a drive element extending along the instrument shaft and configured to engage the spacer and move the actuator in the first direction.
 12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the spacer further comprises a spacer shaft coupled to the actuator and configured for rotation by the drive element.
 13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the spacer shaft is a threaded shaft.
 14. The kit of claim 12, wherein the spacer is configured so that rotation of the spacer shaft laterally moves the actuator.
 15. The kit of claim 11, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a bridge and two extensions extending from the bridge.
 16. The kit of claim 11, wherein the insertion instrument comprises a control to deflect the prongs.
 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the control of the insertion instrument is configured so that rotation of the control in a first direction deflects the prongs and rotation of the control in a second direction, opposite the first direction, undeflects the prongs.
 18. The kit of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises two opposing bearing surfaces configured to engage the first and second arms using the two opposing bearing surfaces to move distal ends of the first and second arms away from each other as the shaft is rotated in the first direction.
 19. The kit of claim 11, wherein the spacer is configured for movement of the actuator in a second direction, opposite the first direction and after engagement of the first and second vertebrae, disengages the first and second arms from the first and second vertebrae.
 20. The kit of claim 11, wherein the first and second arms are rotatable relative to the body. 